Dental Assistant

Role Summary:

This role involves supporting dentists & COHOs in providing patient care, managing dental records, sterilising instruments, and ensuring a clean clinical environment. The dental nurse will be pivotal in enhancing patient experiences and outcomes at Penda Health.

Responsibilities:

• Assist dentists during a variety of treatment procedures, ensuring patient comfort.
• Set up and sterilise dental instruments and equipment before each use.
• Provide patients with aftercare instructions following dental procedures.
• Manage patient records, including updates and maintaining confidentiality.
• Take and process dental X-rays and other diagnostic tests as required.
• Ensure all dental work areas and instruments are cleaned and sterilized according to health and safety protocols.
• Ensure strict compliance with infection control protocols and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Stock and manage dental supplies, placing orders when necessary to ensure availability.
• Assist with front office tasks as needed, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient queries.
• Promote dental health by educating patients on oral hygiene strategies.
• Participate in team meetings and training sessions to stay updated on the latest dental practices and Penda Health protocols.
• Contribute to quality improvement initiatives by actively participating in clinical audits and implementing best practices.
• Adhere to all ethical and legal standards of the medical profession, maintaining patient confidentiality and privacy at all times.
• Comply with all healthcare regulations, guidelines, and policies, ensuring patient safety and quality of care.

Key requirements and attributes 

• Trained dental nurse
• A minimum of 6 months experience in a dental clinic/post internship
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with patients and medical centre team members.
• Compassionate and patient-centred approach to care.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• Proactive in learning and adopting new techniques and technologies in dental care.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and support initiatives to grow patient numbers.
• Strong commitment to patient safety, confidentiality, and ethical conduct.